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How to Transition from Marketing to Aerospace Engineering (Without Going Broke)
If you’ve already graduated with a Marketing degree from Temple University’s Fox School of Business but now dream of working in aerospace engineering, you’re not alone.
Aerospace is one of the most exciting and future-proof industries in the world—especially if you live in Houston, Texas, home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, SpaceX, Axiom Space, and a growing private space economy.
But here’s the catch: engineering degrees are expensive and time-consuming. So how do you break into aerospace engineering with zero budget and a business degree?
Here’s the roadmap.
Step 1: Use Financial Aid and In-State Tuition to Get an EE Degree
If your goal is to become a licensed engineer, work on space hardware, or do R&D, you’ll eventually need a degree in Electrical Engineering (EE) or Aerospace Engineering. But you don’t have to start from scratch.
Since you’ve already completed general education and business coursework, you can transfer credits to accelerate a second Bachelor’s degree at a public university. In Texas, that’s a huge advantage because state schools are much cheaper for residents.
Look into programs at:
University of Houston (UH)
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL)
Online options like Arizona State University (ASU Online) or the University of North Dakota (UND Online) (both ABET-accredited and financial-aid eligible)
File for Texas residency, apply for FAFSA, and pursue grants like:
Pell Grant (if eligible)
Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG)
Work-study programs
Scholarships for STEM career changers
If you’re a veteran or a family member of one, the Hazlewood Act can cover tuition at Texas public universities.
Step 2: Take Advantage of NASA’s Pathways Program
Since you’re in Houston, you’re in the perfect spot to apply for NASA’s Pathways Internship Program.
NASA Pathways offers:
Paid internships
Direct pipelines into full-time aerospace jobs
Tuition support in some cases
Even if you’re still working on your engineering degree, Pathways internships are available for students in progress. This is one of the fastest ways to get hands-on experience with real aerospace projects.
Step 3: Start Working in Aerospace Now (Even Without a Degree)
Another smart route is to start as an aerospace technician or support specialist and work your way into engineering. Houston is full of companies that are desperate for hands-on tech talent in fields like avionics, assembly, and electrical systems testing.
Employers like KBR, Jacobs, Leidos, Axiom Space, and Intuitive Machines frequently hire technicians, specialists, and field engineers.
Once you’re in the door, many of these companies will offer tuition reimbursement to help you finish your Electrical Engineering degree while working. This can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Step 4: Take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
If you want to become a Professional Engineer (PE) one day, the first step is the FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering). Some states allow you to take the FE exam before completing your EE degree if you’ve covered the core technical coursework.
Even if you don’t pursue a PE license, passing the FE exam is a huge résumé booster in aerospace.
Step 5: Build Aerospace Skills Alongside Your Degree
While you’re in school (or waiting for financial aid), start learning aerospace-relevant skills on your own. Here’s how:
Learn MATLAB and Simulink (standard tools in aerospace modeling)
Practice embedded systems programming with Arduino or Raspberry Pi
Join NASA’s L’SPACE Virtual Academy (free training for future space professionals)
Study Python for space systems and avionics
Get into drone building and UAV projects to understand controls and flight systems
This hands-on knowledge will make you stand out when you apply for internships or jobs.
Why Houston Is the Best Place for This
Houston isn’t just a great city for aerospace—it’s one of the cheapest major metros in the U.S. to live in while chasing your engineering dreams. You’re surrounded by:
NASA contractors
Private space startups
Oil & gas companies hiring for controls and electrical systems (a great backup or parallel career track)
Spaceport infrastructure projects
It’s literally the city where aerospace dreams get built.
Final Thoughts
Switching from marketing to aerospace engineering might sound like an impossible leap—but it’s absolutely doable if you’re strategic about it.
Use your business background to your advantage. Engineering projects need people who understand project management, communication, and leadership just as much as they need technical skills.
In the end, you’ll be a rare hybrid of business and engineering, which makes you even more valuable in the aerospace industry.
If you’re serious about making this transition, start applying for programs, internships, and jobs now. Don’t wait.
Need help mapping out your next move?
Stay tuned on illphated.com for more guides on career pivots, tech, and the future of aerospace.